Who do you think they want more, Bryce Harper or Manny Machado? -- Mike R., via Twitter
The landscape has changed little from July, when the Yankees were seriously attempting to pry Machado loose from the Orioles, believing that he would represent a substantial upgrade to help their postseason drive. As you know, Machado wound up in Los Angeles instead, though the World Series might only represent a pit stop in his career path.
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If the Yankees had to make a run at only one of the premier free agents, I would expect it to be Machado. That was the case even before the news broke that Didi Gregorius could miss most of the 2019 season following Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Machado's price will be substantial -- most estimates have him seeking a contract in excess of $300 million -- but this winter has been years in the making for the Yankees.
The reason that managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner spoke so adamantly about keeping payroll below $197 million was not in order to line ownership's pockets; historically, the Steinbrenners have been excellent about reinvesting when major contracts come off the books. The idea was to reset the competitive balance tax rate so that they could blow past the threshold once again when premier talents became available.
As a 26-year-old with prime seasons ahead of him, Machado certainly qualifies, and he'd represent an upgrade no matter what position he plays. A scenario where Machado is the Opening Day shortstop, then slides to third base if and when Gregorius returns, makes a lot of sense. Yes, Machado has said that he only wants to be considered as a shortstop, but there are ways ($) to change that.
Starting pitching still should be the Yankees' priority, and general manager Brian Cashman has said that it will be, but this was a team that couldn't resist Giancarlo Stanton last winter. Remember that Aaron Judge told Machado earlier this spring that he'd look good in pinstripes, and by the way, the Yankees might soon have to answer another Red Sox World Series title. This all points in one direction. No one should be surprised if Machado and the Yankees make headlines again.
How much time do they give Miguel Andujar before making a decision to trade or retain him in the offseason? He's become my favorite player, but I could easily see Machado signing, and dealing [Andujar] for a starting pitcher. -- Mickey M., El Segundo, Calif.
I could see that too. Andujar has great value as a trade chip, and that could only increase if he is honored as the American League's Rookie of the Year. There is no rush to shop Andujar, but teams have been calling about him since his days in Double-A. Remember, the Pirates asked for Andujar and Clint Frazier for Gerrit Cole, who instead went to the Astros. The Rangers are also said to have repeatedly checked in on Andujar.
The Yanks' opponents see what you've seen: Andujar's bat should legitimately play at the big league level for years to come. Offense was never in question for Andujar, who exceeded all expectations in '18 by grabbing hold of a third-base job that had been handed to Brandon Drury.

Andujar headed into the winter intent upon continuing to hone his rough edges, but there are no guarantees heading into '19, especially if Machado lands in The Bronx.
What role does the front office envision for Frazier? Our outfield is crowded with Aaron Hicks, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Jacoby Ellsbury. Will the playing time be there for Frazier next year? -- Dylan P., via Twitter
The Yankees have said that Frazier is at home recovering from his post-concussion symptoms and remains under the care of Pittsburgh-based neurologist Dr. Mickey Collins. Frazier is said to be doing better and should be "fully recovered well before Spring Training," according to Cashman.
Beyond the obvious concerns about Frazier's well-being, this all came at a terrible time for his career development. Entering 2018, Frazier faced an uphill climb on the depth chart to garner big league at-bats, but it turned out that there would have been many opportunities for playing time had Frazier been healthy.
Even if Stanton plays more defense this year, some of the outfield innings that were given to the likes of Shane Robinson, Jace Peterson, Billy McKinney, Tyler Wade and Neil Walker could have easily been Frazier's. Considering how 2018 went for Ellsbury and the significance of his left hip surgery, the Yankees would be prudent to think of anything they get out of him to be a bonus. Frazier's upside is immensely greater.
Was Cashman's statement about Gary Sanchez not being traded a negotiating ploy to tell other teams that he is available, but the price will be steep? -- Jason F., Atascocita, Tex.
I'm sure that there is a price that would convince the Yankees to change that stance, but my first impression was that there was no smoke and mirrors attached when Cashman volunteered to Michael Kay that teams have called to see if Sanchez could be obtained this offseason.
"I'm already getting phone calls, to be honest, from clubs trying to knock on our door to see if he's available. And he's not," Cashman told Kay. "That reinforces, I think, what people realize his ceiling and capabilities are, and also the position weakness around the game."
Despite his anemic offensive performance and defensive shortcomings this past year, the Yankees have been consistent in their statements that they believe that Sanchez is a difference-maker. As Cashman said, Sanchez probably lost confidence due to his struggles and underperformance, though he showed some signs of returning to form late in the year.
"I think Gary is going to absolutely realize his potential," manager Aaron Boone said. "And as tough as this year was at times for him, there's no doubt in my mind that he will benefit from all that he went through this year."
Is Greg Bird a Yankee next year? -- Jared F., via Twitter
I believe so. Luke Voit has earned the first crack at being the Yankees' starting first baseman, as he will attempt to prove that what he did down the stretch was not a fluke. Judge hugged Voit in the celebration after the Wild Card Game and said that the team wouldn't have gotten there without Voit, who hit .333/.405/.689 with 14 homers in 39 games.

At the same time, Bird will be challenged to prove that he can produce more, coming off a lost season in which he hit .199/.286/.386 with 11 homers in 82 games. The Yankees believe that he was never able to fully recover from last season's surgery, and if that's the case, Bird could benefit greatly from a normal offseason of training. Unless …
What are the chances the Yankees go all-in on a trade for Paul Goldschmidt? -- Jack W., Pascack Valley, N.J.
If the D-backs really are listening to offers on their best players, as has been reported, that seems like a call that Cashman and Co. have to make. The only caveat is that the 31-year-old Goldschmidt will be eligible for free agency after 2019, and is owed $14.5 million on a club option, which might provide some pause depending on the asking price. Then again, Cashman always says that prospects are suspects until they make it. Goldschmidt seems like a sure thing, a clear upgrade at first base over Voit and Bird.